Wings Standing Out in January

As the series of showcases wrap up and conference play gets into full swing, there are a ton of players emerging, existing stars shining, and teams continuing to establish themselves as true contenders. There have been guys all around the State getting super busy, let's take a look at a group of wings playing at a high level over recent weeks.    Davis is proving to be one of NC's most productive available seniors in what's been a special season for him at Chapel Hill High School. In the Garner HoopState MLK showcase yesterday he was giving Leesville Road everything they could handle. He's a versatile player with a great foundation of skill and physical gifts. He's active on the glass and a true multi-positional defender. He's helped Chapel Hill to a 2-1 start in conference play and an 11-5 record on the season while averaging 10 Points and 5 Rebounds. His ability to score from all three levels is obvious as well as he's 50% from the floor and 39% from deep on the season. Davis should continue to garner scholarship level interest as the season progresses. A deep playoff run for Chapel Hill will certainly help that.     Fowler is one of NC's best available seniors and has quietly put together quite the pedigree over the course of his career for Coach Brown at Northwood. Fowler is a great outside shooter with the ability to make shots while set or on the move. He's truly above the rim, as he was attempting dunk after dunk in the Northwood win on the road Vs Garner last night. Fowler is averaging 19.2 Points, 6.2 Rebounds, and 2.6 Assists on 51/33/79 splits. Northwood is in a great spot at 11-4 on the season thus far and Fowler's presence is a primary reason for that. He's steadily gotten better and better throughout his career and still has room to grow in his game. He's asked to do so many things for this group and does it all at a high level. Expect Fowler to get more recruiting traction here very very soon.     Ryder is enjoying a really big senior season at Heritage who had a dominant showing in the Garner HoopState MLK showcase with a dominant win over High Point Christian. Strand's ability to make outside shots, finish above the rim in transition, and be a true two way connector for this young but talented team that is getting better and better as the season progresses. Sitting at 4-0 in conference, Strand is averaging 17.2 Points, 11.3 Rebounds, 1.9 Assists, 2.2 Steals, and 2.1 Blocks per game. He's having one of the most statistically impressive seasons for anyone in North Carolina. All of this is on 50/30/73 splits and I actually expect that 3 point percentage to increase as the year goes along. Strand is poised to help lead Heritage on a playoff run and showcase his game on a larger stage.     We'll see what Greenup ends up being long term positionally but it appears he's playing a blend of on and off the ball while doing a lot of different backcourt/wing things at both ends of the floor. With that said, there's no doubt that this kid is a special player poised to do special things over the course of his high school career. Greenup is physically ready for whatever is in front of him. The Freshman is averaging 24.5 Points, 9.0 Rebounds, 1.4 Assists, 1.7 Steals, and 1.4 Blocks. Greenup is shooting with 45/31/76 splits which is remarkably efficient considering his age/usage. I'll be making it a point to get out to a South Granville game to watch him in person and provide a much more detailed eval, but this kid had to get some recognition for being one of the top wing guards in NC regardless of class already.     VanBuerden is quietly having a special season at Alexander Central showcasing his well rounded game. Alexander Central is enjoying a really strong first half of the season sitting at 11-5 with a 3-0 start in conference. VanBuerden is averaging 23.1 Points, 4.4 Rebounds, 3.1 Assists, and 2.4 Steals per game for Coach Hodges. VanBuerden can run your offense with his ability to operate out of ball screens and make plays for himself or others in those situations. He can make outside shots with consistency and has the handle + athleticism to make the opposition pay for poorly closing out. He's got active hands defensively, always making the great look ahead pass in transition off a rebound. VanBuerden is simply a skilled and well rounded perimeter wing with legit on-ball skill. Someone will see what he can do and really value all that he brings to the table, a deep playoff run for Alexander Central will certainly help.

As the series of showcases wrap up and conference play gets into full swing, there are a ton of players emerging, existing stars shining, and teams continuing to establish themselves as true contenders. There have been guys all around the State getting super busy, let's take a look at a group of wings playing at a high level over recent weeks.